Suffer a Sea-Change

October Daye Chronological Order #12.5

by Seanan McGuire

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Fae, Short Stories, Novella, Paranormal

72 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Hi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.

Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).

I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(

Reviews

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novella because it was very generously included in the back of Night and Silence, which I think was an excellent publishing choice. The two stories go together perfectly: this is basically Gillian's POV on the events that happen in the last third of Night and Silence, so it's nice to go straight onto it after finishing the main story.

To be honest, while I loved getting that extra understanding of what was going on outside of Toby's sphere of awareness, I didn't love having Gillian as the main POV character. I get that she's traumatised and still very, very young (plus she's basically discovered that everything she's believed up to now is a lie, and the woman she's loved as mother has been lying to her her entire life about her ACTUAL mother and her own identity). But holy crap, she's got the whiny teenager act down pat and - understandable as it might be in the circumstances - that's just not a character I enjoy hanging out with.

On the plus side, it was awesome to get so much more insight into the Luidaeg and have her get so much page time. In fact, if I think of this as being more her backstory in which Gillian just happens to play a main part, the novella becomes a lot more enjoyable as a story overall. I really hope we get more Luidaeg-centric storylines in future books, because she's a brilliant character, and I get the sense there's so much more to explore with her.

So looking forward to the next instalment!

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should've been amazing because it's heavily focused on the Sea Witch, and I was loving that Gillian was challenging certain things she believed to be true, but arg, Miranda and all her Miranda-ness just ruined this. And I have a bad feeling she's now taken a front row seat for future events. Ugh. She needs to go diaf.

Good to know that Gillian has inheritaed Toby's ability to hear new information that she shouldn't like and completely ignore or dismiss it for the time being. Super great, real excellent.

One more book and I can put this series to bed -- at least temporarily until the next one is released.

[Tzurky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is at least the third in the list of novellas that are actually a direct continuation of the story from the previous book. I’m not sure I like the trend. So far, theres been a lot of vital context, even outright main plot in each and every one of them and I don’t like the idea of having to chase plot pieces around an author’s website or wherever else all the stories would be found. I think it was absolutely the correct decision to include it with the novel and I’m honestly concerned it might not have been part of every edition.

There’s nothing not to love about this one. It’s all Gillian getting a dose of humble pie and a different perspective on her mom from the Luidaeg. And the Luidaeg is my favorite character. I adore everything she does. So yes, this was exactly the right story to settle down with to relax after a long day. Gonna have a few of those coming up and I will most definitely need my UF fix.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was included at the end of Night and Silence.

I am always happy to get more Toby, but I really, really don't like Gillian/Miranda. I mean, I guess I don't like Gillian because Seanan writes the rebellious teen so well, haha. I understand that Gillian's life has been turned upside down and that it feels like it's the fault of the mother she feels abandoned her (Thanks Miranda!), but knowing that doesn't make her any more likable.

But even unlikable, I still enjoyed this story, especially since we got more of the Luidaeg.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great story, seeing her perspective, and I can't wait to continue with my reread!

*Third Read June 18th, 2023*
Loved reading this story again, of Gillian getting this official introduction to Faery now that she can't leave like she did last time!

*Second Read April 19th, 2019*
Great to be in Gillian's head again, it was interesting to know what she was thinking!

*First Read September 5th, 2018*
Loved being in Gillian's head, because it's a big change, what she went through! Really enjoyed seeing her view of the sea witch!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am eating these up with a SPOON. Gobbling one episode after the next like I had never needed a break at all. I am especially enjoying the little interlude novellas that give me a fresh perspective. This one was a little more uncomfortable, I know, because Miranda is the WORST and it’s so hard to see Gillian judging on October, and poor sweet Poppy, but, man, it’s also the BEST because SELKIES. Love ‘em. And Hooray for Gillian getting her eyes opened at last.

[Nessarose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if there's more parts written from Gillian's point of view, but Gillian is basically the diet coke version of Toby, and Miranda works much better as the mom-competition than the mom. But I'm also not a huge fan of McGuire's short stories (I think she shines much brighter when she's writing longer stuff), though I'm still interested in seeing where this goes.

[Dawn Cavenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like Gillian needed a more basic ‘let’s start at the very beginning’ explanation. She has been carrying a ton of hate and mistrust of Toby without knowing all the facts and reasons. Suddenly she is in danger again because she is Toby’s daughter and now has to depend on Toby’s side of the family to help her - and finding out exactly what her mother’s side of the family really is and now what she is. Good short story and well written. These shorts are entertaining and help define side characters. 🥰

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow I missed this one, would have the last book make a bit more sense. I hated the choice that Toby had, but glad that she found a way to get her daughter back. Gillian's a bit surly for most of this book, but honestly why wouldn't she be, she's learning her life has changed and so much of her heritage hidden from her. Hopefully she can embrace her new life and make the best of it.

[Sam Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting novella because it overlaps the story that we already got in Night and Silence but adds a bit of nuance and perspective. Gilly isn’t my favorite character, but watching her interact with Miranda and the Luidhag was really interesting.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to see where Gillian is coming from and helps give a little perspective to her feelings for Toby but I am much too firmly entrenched in Toby's camp to be overly sympathetic to Gillian.

[Catrina Galanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Antigone. More please.

[carmen! · Rating 3 out of 5]

dang this lady is cranky

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Luidaeg was great. But Gillian and Miranda were as annoying as ever.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story filling out the details for Gillian from the last book.

Things look like they'll turn out ok there (which of course is NOT a sure thing LOL).

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything with the Luidaeg is a win and this also showing characters without Toby present and their perspective on who/what Toby is, is always fascinating.

[Leann Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring the World of October Daye


Seanan McGuire's short story, "Suffer a Sea-Change," offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of October Daye. This tale is included with the novel "Night and Silence" and continues the story's events. To avoid spoilers, it's essential to read the novel before diving into this short story.


A New Perspective


In "Suffer a Sea-Change," we're treated to a fresh perspective – that of Gillian, October's daughter. As Gillian navigates her new reality, she's forced to cope with the dramatic changes in her life. The story also features the Sea Witch and Miranda, bringing these characters to life in a unique way.


A Different Take on Familiar Events


While I appreciated the story, I must admit that it wasn't my favorite. My bias towards certain characters, particularly Miranda and Gillian, made it challenging for me to fully connect with the narrative. However, I understand the complexities of their experiences and appreciate the depth they bring to the story.


The Power of Perspective


One of the strengths of this short story is its ability to show how different characters perceive the same events in distinct ways. By seeing the world through Gillian's eyes, we're reminded that our individual experiences, moods, and opinions shape our understanding of reality. This nuanced exploration adds richness to the October Daye series, making it even more immersive and engaging.

[Laurla2]

included at the end of the kindle version of "night and silence".

-the story is told from Gillian's point of view, with the Luidaeg /sea witch, mother of selkies. it overlaps the end of "night and silence", and what takes place immediately after for Gillian.

"maybe i was going to be okay. i knew i wasn't going to be okay. but if a girl can't lie to herself when she's dying, when can she lie to herself?"

"I'm your mother."
"you are. no one can ever take that away from you. you raised me. you're the face i picture when i think of the word mom. maybe no one can take it away from you, but maybe you took it away from someone else." (to Miranda)

"everyone around me seemed to be carrying about thirty layers of secrets on their shoulders, which was at least twenty-nine layers too many."

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most enjoyable short story of hers I’ve read. I’ve read another of hers that was deep and well written but too slow and vague for me and not my thing. It probably would win awards though.

Anyway, this follows Night and Silence and is available “free” at the end of that ebook. What it does is explain what happens to Toby’s daughter during her change (I won’t spoil what it is from the previous novel), including interactions with the Sea Witch, from her perspective and in detail, mostly parts we weren’t privy too but that really enhance the story line. That was a terrible sentence but I’m too tired to change it.

Poopy makes an appearance here which is nice since we haven’t seen her seen she was transformed either.

Highly recommended.

[Trina Dubya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is moving and sad, though it ends in a hopeful way. I don't love Gillian as a protagonist, though she is in every way believable and relatable. It will be interesting to see if/how often her path crosses October's going forward, and how Cliff and Miranda (Janet) fit into Toby's stories, as well. This gives me hope for peace, catharsis, and maybe even reconciliation for this family.

[Eric Mesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella picks up a little before the end of the previous book. It deals with the main new consequence of that book. Therefore we get to have lots of time with one of my favorite characters - The Sea Witch! McGuire does a good job alternating between the abstinence of the the main character and McGuire using the Sea Witch's power and might to move the story along. Definitely one of my favorite novellas in this series.

[Nirkatze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short overlaps with the last few chapters of Night and Silence, but from Gillian's POV. It's interesting to see into Gillian's thoughts--it is both frustrating and gratifying depending on the scene. There're some nice cameos I missed in the book itself--specifically, it was really nice to see Poppy! And I love getting Gillian's proper reaction to meeting her great-aunt. The connotations of Gillian's connection to the Skin is both haunting and hopeful... there's a lot of hope for the future by the end of this short.

[Cj Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the novellas, because I get so tired of being stuck in October's head.

And Gillian is an absolute delight. GOD Miranda is such a jerk. The moment when the Ludiag said "I have never looked at a child and decided I would be a better mother than their mother" hit the nail on the head.

But Firtha was a good addition. I liked this one.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story in Gillian’s POV about her elf-shot poisoning and being changed into a selkie. Found in the back of Book 12 “Night and Silence’.

Footnote: 1) Reminds me of Twilight’s Bella’s change only shorter.

Fave scenes: Poppy & the spiders and Gillian meeting Poppy.

[Laurel Heebsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You know, I’d almost forgotten what it was like to deal with people who aren’t afraid of me,” she said, half-wistfully. “I should probably find this all spunky and refreshing, but honestly, it’s annoying. I have shit to do, and you’re interfering with my getting it done.”

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gillian is definitely Toby's daughter 😂

She has to learn to adjust to the changes the events in Night & Silence stuck her with.

Also has more selky/roane backstory.

[Eri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Přidává kontext, ale některým lidem může Gillian lézt na nervy.

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get the sense I’ll be glad to have read this short story before #13. It offers a vital perspective on Gillian’s journey and the Luidaeg’s history that a book from Toby’s POV couldn’t give.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gillian is a spoiled brat. I sympathize with her and I hope she grows more

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Gilly. Having a choice taken from you is hard. Also it is harder when people don’t tell you the truth. I really don’t like Miranda/Janet.